Biology of ion channels

Ion channels play a fundamental role in controlling physiological functions such as synaptic transmission, cardiovascular performance, muscle contraction, hormone secretion and sensory signaling. In addition, a large variety of diseases are linked to mutations or channel dysfunctions. Consequently, channels are a major therapeutic target in current medical practice : about 15% of currently available drugs on the market exert their primary action on ion channels. The objective of the Biology of ion channels research axis is the identification of ion channel proteins and regulators as novel drug targets and/or biomarkers for therapy and diagnosis.